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5 Things You Need To Know About The Dogwatch Tavern Fells Point Legacy (And What Replaced It)

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For those searching for the Dogwatch Tavern Fells Point experience, a critical update is necessary: the beloved Baltimore watering hole is permanently closed. As of late 2025, the historic space at 709 S. Broadway has undergone a dramatic transformation and is now home to a completely new and unique establishment, marking a significant shift in the Fells Point nightlife and dining scene.

This news may come as a disappointment to long-time patrons who cherished the tavern's unique atmosphere and reputation as a neighborhood staple. To understand the transition, we must look back at the Dogwatch Tavern’s vibrant history, its unexpected challenges, and the exciting new culinary chapter that has begun in its place with the arrival of Broadway Hotpot & Bar.

The Legacy of Dogwatch Tavern: A Fells Point Institution

Dogwatch Tavern quickly carved out a niche for itself in the heart of historic Fells Point, Baltimore, when it first opened its doors. It was situated at a prime location on South Broadway, becoming known for its welcoming, relaxed vibe that stood out among the more traditional or confined bars in the area.

A New Vision on Broadway

The tavern opened in the old Reefers space, and owner Marka Browning, a former bartender at nearby J.A. Murphy’s, executed a complete overhaul of the interior. The goal was to create an open, airy space—a true oasis that maintained the charm and appeal of Fells Point's maritime history but felt distinctly fresh.

  • Opening: Opened in late September, taking over the former Reefers space.
  • Atmosphere: Described as a "new unique atmosphere" that still captured the original history of the area, featuring a double-sided bar.
  • Owner: Marka Browning, a seasoned local bartender, was the driving force behind the concept.
  • Menu Highlights: While the menu evolved, Dogwatch was known for its solid bar food, drink specials, and famously became a go-to spot for Patriots fans on game days, offering a dedicated place for New England transplants in Baltimore.
  • Happy Hour: A popular destination for its happy hour specials, which often included deals on appetizers and local beers like Heavy Seas.

The Closing and the Transition: What Happened to Dogwatch Tavern?

The permanent closure of Dogwatch Tavern was the result of a series of unfortunate and challenging events that ultimately led to the space being vacated and repurposed. This transition mirrors the volatility and resilience of the Baltimore bar and restaurant scene.

1. The Violent Hit-and-Run Incident

A major blow to the physical structure and business operations occurred when the tavern suffered extensive structural damage from a violent hit-and-run incident. This event caused significant disruption and required extensive recovery efforts, a challenge compounded by the complexities of insurance coverage for a tenant-occupied space.

2. Navigating the Pandemic Era

Like many establishments in the Fells Point and Little Italy areas, Dogwatch Tavern voluntarily closed its doors early during the initial stages of the public health crisis, prioritizing community safety ahead of government mandates. While many bars eventually reopened, the combination of structural damage, pandemic-related shutdowns, and the overall difficulty of the hospitality environment likely contributed to the eventual decision to close permanently.

3. The Permanent Closure Status

The Dogwatch Tavern Fells Point is now officially marked as "Permanently closed." The historic run of this beloved local bar has concluded, paving the way for a completely different type of venue to take root at the 709 S. Broadway address.

The New Era: Broadway Hotpot & Bar Transforms the Space

The departure of Dogwatch Tavern has ushered in a thrilling new culinary concept for Fells Point. The former tavern space is now home to Broadway Hotpot & Bar, which has brought a highly sought-after and unique dining experience to Baltimore.

Baltimore's First Dedicated Hotpot Spot

Broadway Hotpot & Bar is significant because it is widely regarded as Baltimore's first dedicated, all-you-can-eat Asian hotpot restaurant. Hotpot, a tradition from ancient China, involves cooking raw ingredients—like fresh meats, vegetables, and noodles—in a simmering pot of flavored broth set directly into your table.

The new establishment officially opened around September of the previous year, filling a cauldron-sized hole in the city's Sichuan cuisine offerings and dramatically changing the identity of the 709 S. Broadway location.

A Unique All-You-Can-Eat Experience

The shift from a traditional New England-friendly tavern to a customizable Asian dining experience is a testament to the evolving culinary landscape of Fells Point. Patrons at Broadway Hotpot can expect:

  • All-You-Can-Eat (AYCE) Format: Customers can customize their hotpot meal by selecting from a wide array of fresh ingredients to cook at their table.
  • Authentic Flavors: The restaurant focuses on bringing authentic Chinese flavors to the Baltimore area.
  • Entertainment: In a nod to the location’s history as a nightlife destination, Broadway Hotpot also features karaoke, blending dining with entertainment.
  • Location: It continues the tradition of being a key destination in the center of Fells Point, now offering a diverse, interactive dining experience instead of a classic pub atmosphere.

The transition from Dogwatch Tavern to Broadway Hotpot & Bar is a clear example of how Fells Point, a historic neighborhood known for its resilience and change, continues to evolve. While the old Dogwatch Tavern Baltimore is missed by many, the arrival of a new, unique, and exciting culinary venue ensures that 709 S. Broadway remains a vibrant and essential part of the city's social fabric.

5 Things You Need to Know About the Dogwatch Tavern Fells Point Legacy (And What Replaced It)
dogwatch tavern fells point
dogwatch tavern fells point

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